I am considering writing a book. I would like your opinion. The subject of the book would be the Doctrine of Christ as taught in the Book of Mormon. This subject is near and dear to me because of what I’ve experienced.The link below will take you to an account of my experience. If I write a book it would use my experience as a basis for doctrinal discussion of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.
When you’ve read about my experience, if you would come back to this page and share your feelings and thoughts in the comment section, I would be grateful. Also, if you have any questions, please ask.
Thanks in advance to those who participate.
You should write a book. It will strengthen yourself and others. Furthermore, your posterity will treasure it forever.
Jared,
I encourage you to write your book. You will learn five times what you know now through the process. (I promise!)
If you are writing with the intent to publish, you’ll need to start thinking about how you will answer some questions that publishers will want to know the answers to:
What need does your book meet?
Why will people buy your book?
What books will you be competing with?
Why is your book different from other books? (This one is a biggie.)
Who is your audience?
You’ve said that the topic of “ the Doctrine of Christ as taught in the Book of Mormon” is dear to you because of what you’ve experienced. But why do you want to write a book about it? What do you want people to know? Do you want to clear up confusion? Do you want to remove ignorance? Do you want to dispel apathy? Do you want to show linkages somehow? Do you want to share your experiences of coming to know about it? What approach do you want to take?
P.S. If you quote anyone besides the scriptures, MAKE SURE YOU MAKE PHOTOCOPIES of your source pages and have a list of all the publication information. Do this as you go along; it’s much easier than trying track it all down at the end. Publishers ask for all of that so they can check quotations and get permissions for the quoted material.
Your experience is quite interesting. Thank-you for sharing it with us.
My only comment regarding writing your book is the subjective nature of your experience. While the gospel is universally the same for all, how the Spirit interacts with each of us is certainly unique. Personally, I receive revelation as Joseph Smith indicated, like pure intelligence flowing into me as I study. As such, your characterizations of Spirit interaction may be illustrative only, and not exhaustive as it applies to all.
Joseph Smidt–
Thanks for your kind thoughts. I feel encouraged.
Michaela Stephens–
Thank you for responding. You know a lot about the subject, have you published?
The list of things to consider and do is just what I was looking for when I wrote this post.
Jermey–
Thanks for responding. I agree that the Spirit interacts with each of in unique ways. I think that comes from the variety of gifts of the Spirit that Lord makes available to us. However, based on my understanding of the doctrine there are some things that each follower of Christ must experience individually (universal). For example the baptism process:
1. Experience with the Holy Ghost to establish a testimony.
2. Baptism in water by one having authority for a remission of sin.
3. Continued manifestations of the Holy Ghost to deepen testimony.
4. Baptism of the Spirit by Fire and the Holy Ghost (this fulfills the baptism covenant where we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost) this also is referred to in the scriptures as the mighty change, born again, receiving a remission of sins.
Based on my experience, I learned it is a three or four step process to fulfill our baptism covenant. I don’t think this is generally understood and taught in the church. However, a careful reading of the scriptures supports this.
If you’re interested I’ll go into more detail.
I would advise you to be very cautious when sharing Personal spiritual experiences. I think it is wise to be like Mary, the mother of Jesus, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19. She did not go around telling everyone about her special spiritual experiences. There is always the temptation to try and aggrandize ourselves on our spiritual experiences.
“But what was my surprise when again I beheld the same messenger at my bedside, and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things as before; and added a caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to tempt me (in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father’s family), to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich.” Joseph Smith History 1:46
Jay–
Thanks for responding. Your advice is welcomed.
I’ve thought this over carefully. I agree we must be careful not to seek to build ourselves up, our eye should be single to the glory of God. To avoid even the appearance of doing otherwise I have written this blog anonymously. If I write book,I will most likely write it using a pen name.
You cited several scriptures to emphasize your point. The scripture also give many examples of Spiritual experiences being used as a means of increasing faith. King Benjamin talked freely about the angel who appeared to him (Mosiah 3:2), so did Amulek (Alma 10:10). Ammon sought to show forth the power that was in him (Alma 17:29). The apostle Paul related his experience with Christ without hesitation (Acts 26:13-18).
There are many examples that can be shown that clearly teaches that the Lord uses the manifestation of His Spirit to increase faith among the saints as well as in missionary efforts.
In our day, Brigham Young said:
It yields solid satisfaction to hear men testify of the truth of the Gospel. It is always peculiarly interesting to me to hear the Saints tell their experience. It is to me one of the best of sermons to hear men and women relate to each other how the Lord has wrought upon their understanding, and brought them into the path of truth, life, and salvation. I would rather hear men tell their own experience, and testify that Joseph was a Prophet of the Lord, and that the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and other revelations of God, are true; that they know it by the gift and power of God; that they have conversed with angels, have had the power of the Holy Ghost upon them giving them visions and revelations, than hear any other kind of preaching that ever saluted my ears. JD 1:90-91
If you want to share a personal experience openly and not make money off of it that would seem fine. I know of another person who had a personal spiritual experience with Joseph Smith. His name was Cody Judy and if you recall he decided to threaten the a CES Fireside audience with a bomb. Granted it was not really a bomb but President Hunter and the congregation did not know that.
The examples you used above were all prophets and Brigham did not say you should try to make money off of these experiences, that is called priest-craft and is very dangerous.
Jay–
I won’t respond to your latest comment, other than to say I feel sad.
Jared,
I also hold the ‘doctrines of Christ as found in the Book of Mormon’ as critical to the understanding of what we are to do in this life. What would our church be like if it held solely to the doctrine of Christ found in 2 Nephi 31/32 and 3 Nephi 11? I would add the singular reference to the doctrine of Christ in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 10, verses 67-69. We are told not to add or take away from the doctrine as taught in 3 Nephi 11. Shouldn’t that be important enough to shout from the rooftops?
Relative to publishing a book. I would agree with Jay that it should not be for personal glory or money. I completely disagree with him on the rest of his comment. Do apostles have some exemption from priestcraft that allows them to collect book royalties?
There are two books that I believe are good examples how to approach it. One is called “Experiencing The Mighty Change” which was published anonymously. The other is a book by James Custer called “The Unspeakable Gift.” The first one has been an important part of my core library since I found it several years ago. The latter is a little strange since Bro. Custer redefines ‘translation’ in a way that is counter to my experience. Have you come across either of these?
Spektator–
Thanks for commenting. I always enjoy it.
The doctrine of Christ is everything if we desire to be joint-heirs with Christ.
Thanks for the info on the books. I am looking forward to finding and reading them.
I am currently reading, I Need Thee Every Hour, by Blaine M. Yorgason. Excellent book. It is out of print but it is worth the effort to find a copy. It is 500 pages of explanation, and exhortation about being born again. I learned that it never got out of the first printing because of lack of interest. It was published by Deseret Book–Sheri Dew really pushed it. The saints of our day our not too interested in books on the first principles of the gospel. It will take a crisis to move them. That’s what it took in my life to get my attention, so I can’t be too critical.
Having said that, I don’t think a book on the doctrine of Christ will be a money maker. If I publish, I’m certain I will have to carry it financially. Blaine M. Yorgason is a known author and if Deseret Book couldn’t get to a second printing that is an excellent indication of the business side of a book like I have in mind.
Nothing would please me more than at the day of judgment to have the Lord pleased with my efforts to help members of the church, not only be born again to see the Kingdom of God, but to be born again to enter. If a book can do that, then I’ll go for it.
Jared,
Experiencing the Mighty Change is available online here: http://toddjumper.com/ETMC/etmc.htm.
The other book is part of a set by James Custer and can be acquired here:
http://www.jamescuster.com/book.html
I have long thought a book would be a great way to pass on my perspective to my family… but none of them read books any more. Maybe a video would be better…
Bro. Custer passed away last year.
Spektator–
Thanks for the links. I’ve been reading, Experiencing the Mighty Change. Excellent!
Jared,
I read your experience and consider it to be uplifting and inspiring. I appreciate your willingness to share it. If you decide to move forward with writing a book, I believe it will be a challenging but fulfilling experience. If even a few people read the book and are inspired by it, many could be benefited by the ripple effect of your testimony.
Thank you so much for sharing that. I would read your book if you wrote one.